My Brother in law is wanting a 1911 for a Christmas present from his wife, and I told her I'd try to help her out all that I could. He really wants a Colt or something in the $800 to $1000 range, but they have a budget that's a bit lower, probably $600 max. I'm not a 1911 guy at this time. I bought and sold :crying: an original CCO to pay some bills, and now I'm all glock due to budget and necessity. However, I was looking over at www.Budsgunshop.com and they have a handful of Springfields in the sub 600 range. Initially, I was thinking of the Rock Island Armory guns. This will be his first pistol to own personally (8 year Marine), and will be an all around weapon, mostly for home and personal defense, carry, and target practice.

I apologize in advance if you guys field this question 10 times a day, everyday. I don't post a whole lot here or in the other forums, but I browsed a lot and didn't find exactly what I was looking for. Thanks,

Bryan

Hokie1911

11-09-2010, 15:45

The RIA would be a good choice for sure. They make a great gun for the money.

There are a few good choices around $600. I'd look at...

STI Spartan
DE 1911G
Remington R1

AZ Husker

11-09-2010, 15:58

So what happens when he gets a new inexpensive mil-spec gun and wants the bells and whistles (beavertail, lowered port, sights, etc)? Will he begrudgingly keep the gift, slowly add to it, or trade it in? I'd look for a nice used Springer Loaded or Kimber that already has everything.

glock2740

11-09-2010, 15:59

Here's a good one.

http://www.centerfiresystems.com/AC-RI1911TACA.aspx

knedrgr

11-09-2010, 15:59

full size, commander, officer? 45ACP, 9mm?

jrs93accord

11-09-2010, 15:59

The RIA would be a good choice for sure. They make a great gun for the money.

There are a few good choices around $600. I'd look at...

STI Spartan
DE 1911G
Remington R1

I will second what Paul said. These three are good choices. Of these three, I am really partial to the Desert Eagle 1911G. It has a lot of features that high end 1911s would have and a sweet trigger to boot. One of the nicest 1911s I own and have shot.

I would see if they could stretch that a bit and look at a Desert Eagle 1911.

Ha, JRS93accord, beat me to it by a minute.

glock2740

11-09-2010, 16:03

And here's a great one. I have both of these. Well, recently sold the Tactical to a buddy of mine for a base gun project he wanted to do. But, the Match is a keeper. I actually like it so much, that as soon as I figure out what I want to do to the frontstrap(either checker, stipple or golf ball), I'm gonna have it sent off to be hardchromed. GREAT shooting gun. Especially for the price. :thumbsup:

http://www.centerfiresystems.com/AC-RI1911MATCH-5.aspx

BTW, I bought both of those directly from Centerfire Systems. Great company to deal with and you pay roughly $15 shipping above the listed price, plus whatever your FFL charges you for a transfer. Most FFL transfers run about $25. Some will do it for $10-$15.

CharlestonG26

11-09-2010, 16:05

IMO, the Springfield GI is a very nice entry level 1911. Unlike the Filipino sourced pistols, the SA GI has a forged frame and slide. Should someone want to add popular "enhancements"...it is a solid platform to upgrade.

CCO

11-09-2010, 16:09

Fullsize or commander, 45 ACP. We went to Bass Pro when I visited him last weekend and he gravitated to the stainless/nickel guns, but I don't think it's an absolute requirement.

Husker, I guess the same thing could be said about what happens when he gets that Kimber with all the mid range options, is he going to keep modifying it, or sell the gift and buy a Les Baer. I think the budget is the budget, and that's all she wrote. They might want to milk a little more out for quality, but I do know that the $863 Smith and Wesson that they had under the glass was way outta the range.

I plan on forwarding this thread on to his wife for a start into her research.

woodrowNC

11-09-2010, 17:11

Fullsize or commander, 45 ACP. We went to Bass Pro when I visited him last weekend and he gravitated to the stainless/nickel guns, but I don't think it's an absolute requirement.

Husker, I guess the same thing could be said about what happens when he gets that Kimber with all the mid range options, is he going to keep modifying it, or sell the gift and buy a Les Baer. I think the budget is the budget, and that's all she wrote. They might want to milk a little more out for quality, but I do know that the $863 Smith and Wesson that they had under the glass was way outta the range.

I plan on forwarding this thread on to his wife for a start into her research.

another option is the SA mil-spec. it comes lowered and flared. at least he wouldn't have to worry about that.

EricandSuebee

11-09-2010, 17:14

I'll second the Springfield Armory GI or Mil-spec 1911 as a starter.

Jason D

11-09-2010, 19:11

Have her get him a Stainless Springfield Mil-spec.
They are well built guns that will give a life time of service.
They are also good base guns to customize.

bac1023

11-09-2010, 20:35

I vote STI Spartan or Desert Eagle for an enhanced model.

For a GI, go with Remington or Springfield.

MarkCO

11-09-2010, 22:05

There is a lot of good info, and reviews on the resource thread: http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1269683

Personally, I would suggest the STI Spartan. It is a good base pistol if he wants to customize.

ambluemax

11-10-2010, 18:58

Springfields are the ONLY sub $700 guns I would consider buying, and I do have a GI. They are no frills, but they are a solid pistol with the best in the business CS standing behind them.

Jason D

11-10-2010, 19:22

I would rather have a gun made with a Brazilian Imbel forging than a gun made in the Philippines.

I know a lot of people love those guns and are more than happy with them.
I just wouldn't be.